PFSP acknowledges the uncertainty, insecurity and frustration physicians are feeling due to the COVID-19 pandemic in combination with the implementation of the physician funding framework by Alberta Health. As always, your well-being and health is our top concern.
The physicians on our confidential line play a vital part in providing support to you, their colleagues and as always are a phone call away at 1.877.767.4637. When you call the line, you are connected to more than 20 years of experience providing confidential physician-to-physician support and access to qualified local therapists (also with experience in meeting the needs of physicians and their families). Our network of counsellors are offering telephone or video counselling services during this time of physical distancing.
We want to remind you that there is a wealth of information resources available to help you look after your mental wellness. We have curated a list of some that we think are particularly pertinent on our webpage.
Of particular note, PFSP has collaborated with Well Doc Alberta to create a series of podcasts directed to support physicians in these extraordinary times.
We will continue to work alongside other physician health organizations and professionals in our shared goal to provide helpful information and support for physicians in Alberta.
During this difficult time, we're here with you and for you. PFSP is here to help. Physician-to-physician support is available 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week by calling 1.877.767.4637.
Recommended resources
PFSP has curated this list of some resources to help you with attending to your wellness.
Medical student support for health care workers
Need help with child care, groceries, pet care, pharmacy runs or other errands? Medical students from the Universities of Alberta and Calgary are volunteering to help health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information and to sign up for services, please use the respective forms below.
Drop-in calls for physicians
These are for peer support among colleagues dealing with the impacts of COVID-19, not psychiatric care. Drop in for as often and as long as you want.
AHS Physician Wellness Peer Support Zoom Room
Mondays and Wednesdays 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., email: mdwellness@ahs.ca
Dr. Mamta Gautam
A free daily Zoom call to offer mutual peer support to colleagues as we deal with COVID-19.
Time: Daily 2 p.m., seven days a week
To access: Please email Dr. Gautam for the Zoom link: mgautam@rogers.com
Ontario Medical Association
The OMA is holding MD-led virtual chats to support one another. Drop in virtually between 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (MST) each weekday to support one another during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sessions are led by Dr. Kasra Khorasani, a psychiatrist at Mount Sinai Health Systems and St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, who is an expert in group therapy.
Time: Weekdays 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (MST)
To access: Click here to learn how you can join the conversation
Resident conversations
Time: Wednesday at 7 p.m.
To access: Email DM@javeedsukhera to learn how you can join the conversation
Podcasts and videos
Self-awareness: More important than ever
PFSP has collaborated with Well Doc Alberta to create a series of three short podcasts directed to support physicians in these extraordinary times. Hosted by Dr. Terrie Brandon and Dr. Jane Lemaire with guest, Fleur Yumol MSc, MSW, RSW.
Staying Connected: Emotional Connection Amidst Physical Distancing (13 minutes)
Empathy & Compassion: Offering What We Can During COVID-19 (9.5 minutes)
Self-Awareness: More Important Than Ever (12 minutes)
Understanding and coping with stress, distress and trauma
Three steps to coping with anything – evidenced-based framework
Articles and websites
Royal College Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Click here for wellness resources gathered from various sources like Joule (a CMA company), the Mental Health Commission of Canada and the Conference Board of Canada.
Canadian Society of Physician Leaders
A series of bulletins written specifically for the Canadian physician by Canadian physician leaders.
Ensuring our own wellbeing as we care for others during the COVID-19 crisis
by Mamta Gautam, MD, MBA, FRCPC, CCPE, CPE
Leadership agility in chaotic systems
by J. Van Aerde, MD, PhD, FRCPC and Mamta Gautam, MD, MBA, FRCPC, CPDC, CCPE
COVID-19 cannot take away our freedom to choose
by J. Van Aerde, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Control and influence, let go of the rest
by J. Van Aerde, MD, PhD, FRCPC
In view of the COVID-19 crisis, CSPL is committed to providing short and practical papers, podcasts and possibly webinars. All will be available on the CSPL website in a special COVID-19 section. Useful national and international links will also be available on the website. Information overload is the last thing we need, so we will keep it short, minimal, and although everything will be evidence-based, we will keep references to an absolute minimum. If you have specific needs, please let us know. Stay well and be kind.
BMJ
Managing mental health challenges faced by health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic
Click here to view the BMJ article (Published March 26, 2020)
Ontario Medical Association
Click here for suggestions on keeping yourself healthy
Well Doc Alberta
Click here to find education bulletins covering topics such as:
- Physician wellness during COVID-19 – The basics
- Helping each other through the pandemic: Providing informal physician-to-physician peer support
- Mindfulness for physicians during COVID-19
- Grieving the loss of normalcy during the pandemic
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
As Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital, CAMH sets the standards for care, research, education and leading social change. Resources here are not specifically for physicians.
Here you will find resources like:
- “How do I talk to my children about COVID-19 and its impact?
- How can I support a loved one who is very anxious about the COVID-19 pandemic?
And some self-assessment tools:
- To assess the severity of your symptoms of anxiety
- How well you are coping with the stress in your life.
- How stressful do you perceive events in your life to be?
For issues or feedback about these resources, please email pfsp@albertadoctos.org